Champagne cork remover

ABSTRACT

A hand tool with a U-shaped cutout to slide into the groove at the top of a champagne bottle, and pivoted lever-arms above the cutout straddling the stopper of the bottle. Extractor links connected to these lever-arms, are hinged at the outer end, and have teeth across the inner end, which is aligned with the stopper. Squeezing the lever-arms together causes the extractor links to engage and compress that part of the stopper exposed above the top of the bottle. The extractor links are angled upward toward the toothed end, so that the resulting combined upward force of the two links on opposite sides of the stopper, cause it to be extruded upward. Repeated actuations may be used to remove the stopper completely. The tool grips, and retains the stopper when completely closed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] (Not applicable)

FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

[0002] (Not applicable)

BACKGROUND

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to opening champagne bottles, and thelike, by applying a force to the exposed part of the cork, or plastic,stopper.

[0005] 2. Prior Art

[0006] A number of devices have been patented to accomplish this task,most of which attempt to pry or pull the stopper out by exerting a forcebetween the top of the bottle and the enlarged part of the cork, whichis exposed. Simple lever systems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No.4,598,613 Jul. 8, 1986 to Frederick W. Baum, U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,821 May27, 1986 to James C. Olson, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,993 Jul. 21, 1987 toJack M. Feliz, are examples of such devices. Geared lever systems arealso used in some designs, such as found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,391 Jun.14, 1988 to Stanley L. Sweath, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,711 Aug. 4, 1990to Ben F. Glebeler. A cranked threaded shaft mated with a threadedtubular column are used to exert the force in U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,437Aug. 20, 1991 to John H. Mueller.

[0007] In all of these, the problem is not the force required todislodge the cork stopper, but rather it is in the means of applying itto the soft and frangible part of the cork which is exposed. In someprior art such as is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,398 Oct. 24, 1989 toCleveland B. Crudington, the stopper must be partially raised to enablethe tool to be inserted under it. Some require that a thin tool beforced between the top of the bottle and the bulge of the cork, andothers rely on sharpened tongs as is noted on U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,063Mar. 19, 1991 to George Federighi, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,033 Nov. 24,1987 toLester E. Eash. One champagne opener found on the market isavailable from Franmara, Inc. of Salinas, Calif. This heavy tool has alarge tooth on each of two hinged handles. The instructions are to drivethese into the cork, and to twist the cork thus gripped, in oppositedirection to the bottle, until internal pressure pushes the cork out.

[0008] Champagne corks are the tightest before the initial displacement,which breaks the bond to the bottle created over weeks or months ofstorage. Teeth forced into the uncompressed cork can tear or fracturethe cap, leaving even less to work with. Most champagne is opened at thetable in restaurants or private homes, and large complicated machines,such as that of John Mueller noted above, are unsuitable for such use.

[0009] Most of these prior art devices fail to achieve their objectivedue to the problem of effectively connecting to the cork stopper withoutdamaging it. Tools that try to twist it loose can easily shear the capoff so that only a cork screw can be used to try to save it. It isnecessary to grip the cork firmly over an area of that portion exposed,and to compress and lift it slowly and steadily out of the bottle. TheCork Remover described herein, does just that.

SUMMARY

[0010] The present invention is comprised of a simple pliers type toolwhich can grip a champagne stopper firmly on opposite sides, and forceit upward without fracturing the cork, or requiring much strength oreffort. This tool can retain the stopper as it is removed.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0011] Accordingly, the objects and advantages of my invention are:

[0012] a) to provide a champagne cork remover which can grip and raise achampagne cork with little strength or effort required.

[0013] b) to enable one hand operation of said cork remover so that theother hand is free to support the bottle, or to assure that pressuredoes not force out the stopper prematurely

[0014] c) to provide a tool which can retain the cork or other stopperas it exits the bottle.

[0015] d) to provide a simple, uncomplicated design which can beproduced and sold at low cost.

[0016] e) To provide a device which can also remove plastic bottlestoppers used for sparkling cider, and similar beverages, sold inchampagne size bottles.

[0017] f) to enable wine stewards to quickly serve champagne formally,and with ease and grace, in restaurants and dining rooms.

[0018] g) to provide a tool which requires no maintenance or adjustment,and is constructed of corrosion-free materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is an end view of the cork remover.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a side view of the cork remover.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the champagne cork remover, showing theplier-like lever-arms, and the attachment to the base plate.

[0022]FIG. 4a is a section view through B-B, showing a stop pin and itspocket, which limits the angular motion of each lever-arm.

[0023]FIG. 4b is a section view through C-C, showing a lever-arm pivotand its' retaining screw, which connects each lever-arm to the baseplate.

[0024]FIG. 5a is a section view through A-A, showing the position andshape of the extractor links, which compress and raise the champagnecork when the lever- arms are closed towards each other. A phantom viewof a champagne bottle and its cork is shown as it would be positioned inthe cork remover.

[0025]FIG. 5b is the same as 5 a above, except that the lever-arms arepartially closed so that the resulting motion of the extractor links topinch and raise the cork are illustrated. The resulting annular spacebetween the head of the cork and the top of the bottle is evident.

[0026]FIG. 5c shows the sectional view of 5 b above with the corkremover repositioned atop the bottle, in the space created between thecork head and the bottle top, by the initial operation of the corkremover as shown in FIG. 5b. The lever-arms are re-closed as shown inthis figure, and the extractor links have raised the cork fartherupward.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a plan view of an alternate configuration of the corkremover wherein the lever-arms, of zig-zag shape, are pivoted on therear of the base plate, behind the U-shaped cutout, and then cross eachother, and bend back again to handles at a second end. Extractor linksare located across the end of an extension of the lever-arms forwardfrom the pivot toward the front of the base plate, and straddle thestopper of a champagne bottle ensconced therein.

Reference Numerals in Drawings

[0028] Parts (preferred embodiment): Features: 1: lever-arms(left/right-mirror-image) 20: U-shaped cutout 2: Extractor links 21:Centering flange (left/right-symmetrical) 3: Compression spring 22:Stop-pin cavity 4: Pivot 23: Extractor channels 5: Fillister head screw24: Extractor link teeth 6: Axle-pin 7: Torsion spring 8: Base plate 9:Stop-pin Parts (alternate configuration): 30: Alternate base plate 31:Alternate lever-arm, right 32: Alternate lever-arm, left

[0029] Description: FIGS. 1 Through 5 c Preferred Embodiment

[0030] The preferred embodiment of this invention is illustrated in thethree views of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. The lever-arms 1, shown inall three views, are connected to the base plate 8, by two pivots 4These are kept in place by fillister head screws 5. The pivots 4, are aclose but loose fit into the lever-arms 1, and of a length that allowsfree angular movement of the lever-arms. A compression spring 3, fittedbetween the lever-arms 1, tends to hold them apart. Stop-pins 9,protruding through the lever-arms into the stop-pin cavities 22 serve toconstrain angular movement of the lever-arms to within the comfortablemanipulation range of the average adult hand. Extractor links 2, arelocated in channels 23, formed across the lever-arms at a point in linewith the center of the radius of the U-shaped cutout 20. Thus located,the extractor links 2, are moved toward the center of the U-shapedcutout 20, when lever-arms 1, are moved together.

[0031] The U-shaped cutout 20, of the base plate is configured to fitinto the annulus below the top of a champagne bottle. The extractorlinks 2, pivot on a small axle-pin 6, fitted into holes across thechannel 23, in each lever-arm. A torsion spring 7, around this axle-pinserves to hold each extractor link 2, into position down against thefloor of the extractor channel. In this position, the extractor links 2,best seen in FIG. 5a, contact a champagne cork, (shown in phantom) at apoint higher than the axle-pin 6, described above. The edge of theextractor link 2, at the point of contact with such stopper is formed ofa series of V-shaped teeth 24, or striations, which extend across theface of the extractor link 2. Tips of these teeth form a radius downwardand away from the point of contact. As the lever-arms 1, are movedtowards each other, (closed), the extractor links are forced against thecork of the stopper, so that a firm, uniform grip over an area onopposite sides of the cork is established. Due to the upward angle ofthe extractor links, a complementary force is created upward on the freeend of the extractor link, and thence the cork, which are moved upwardtogether. Lever ratios are such that a large mechanical advantage iscreated, and the stopper breaks free and moves up a distance quiteeasily. Relaxation of hand grip on the lever-arms allows the compressionspring 3, to open the lever-arms 1, and the extractor links 2, to bereseated by the torsion springs to the floor of the extractor channels23, in place for further operation.

[0032] Alternate Embodiment: FIG. 6

[0033] The alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 6 has pivot points at theopposite end of the base plate behind the U-shaped cutout. The alternatebase plate 30, has pivot holes, and stop cavities relocated toaccommodate this change. The zig-zag lever-arms (left 32 and right 31)cross over each other, and then bend back to form handles at a secondend. The actuator links are located on an extension forward along, andtoward the open end of the U-shaped cutout, straddling the stopper of abottle of champagne ensconced therein. Action to close these lever-armsresults in motion of the extractor links toward the cork in the same wayas in the preferred embodiment. These zig-zag lever-arms have cutouts inthe area where they overlap, so that they are parallel as in stalled onthe base plate. Other parts of the alternate embodiment listed below areidentical to those of the preferred embodiment. 2: Extractor links 3:Compression spring 4: Pivot 6: Axle-pin 7: Torsion spring 9: Stop-pin 5:Fillister head screw

[0034] Operation: FIGS: 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c.

[0035] A number of operational sequences are possible with this tool,but the preferred one is as follows:

[0036] a) the wire basket and foil are removed from the bottle

[0037] b) the U-shaped cutout 20, of the Cork Remover base plate 8, ispositioned in the top bottle annulus, as shown in FIG. 5a, and thelever-arms 1, are firmly closed. The resulting action of the extractorlinks 2, to grip, and raise the cork upward provides an annular spacebetween the bottle top and the enlarged cap of the cork as shown in FIG.5b.

[0038] c) the Cork Remover is re-positioned with the U-shaped cutout 20,of the base plate 8, fitted into this space created atop the bottle. Thecentering flange 21, serves to locate the Cork Remover on the bottle tocenter the stopper in line with the extractor links 2

[0039] d) in this position, the lever-arms 1, are again firmly closed,raising the cork stopper farther, and clamping the teeth 24, of theextractor links 2, firmly into the cork as shown in FIG. 5c.

[0040] e) at this point, the bottom of the cork will be above thetapered lower portion of the bottle neck, and any slight angular motionof the tool will enable internal pressure to pop the cork out. A firmgrip on the lever-arms 1, retains the cork in the tool.

[0041] An alternate method suitable for use by wine stewards wherein thechampagne is usually provided in an ice bucket is as follows:

[0042] a) the wire basket and foil are removed as in the preferredmethod of operation

[0043] b) the Cork Remover is fitted in the bottle top annulus and anapkin is held firmly over the stopper with the free hand

[0044] c) repeated closing, and opening, of the lever-arms 1, and theresulting action of the extractor links 2, on the cork, jacks the corkup and out of the bottle, into the napkin.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand tool for compressively gripping, that partof a champagne stopper exposed above the top of a champagne bottle, andfor extruding said stopper up, and out of said bottle, comprising: a) abase plate of metal or plastic, having a U-shaped cutout at a first end,said cutout sized and configured to fit slidably into the annulus foundnear the top of a champagne bottle, said base plate having two pivotholes adjacent to each side of said U-shaped cutout, and to said firstend of said base plate b) a pair of mirror-image lever-arms with firstends connected pivotably to said pivot holes of said base plate, andextending alongside said U-shaped cutout straddling the stopper of achampagne bottle ensconced therein, then extending further at anglesapart to a second end, forming suitable handles for a hand grip, thesides of said lever-arms as installed, which face each other across saidU-shaped cutout, are herein designated as the inner sides of saidlever-arms, the opposite sides of said lever-arms are therefordesignated as the outer sides c) linkages configured to grip and forceout said champagne stopper, said linkages are pivotably attached atfirst ends of said linkages, to said lever-arms, adjacent to said outersides of said lever-arms, extending across said lever-arms in line withsaid champagne bottle stopper, to a predetermined distance beyond saidinner sides to second ends of said linkages, the axes of said pivotsenabling said second ends of said linkages to pivot upward from seatedpositions against said lever arms d) additional means of: biasing saidlever arms to the open, or apart position limiting angular excursion ofsaid lever-arms to predetermined open, and closed positions biasing saidextractor links to a seated position against said lever-arms grippingand retaining said champagne stopper as it exits said champagne bottlee) whereby, a hand tool is assembled which can be manipulated like apair of ordinary pliers to force out the stopper of a champagne bottlequickly, easily, and ceremoniously, simply by opening and closing saidhandles of said lever-arms, with no other effort required
 2. The handtool according to claim 1, wherein said linkages are comprised of: a) anextractor link of predetermined thickness, having a through hole at afirst end adjacent to a flat surface, and an arc of striations across anopposite second end, the center of said arc of striations being at apredetermined distance above said flat surface, so that a center linebetween said through hole and the center of said arc of striations, isat an angle upward from said flat surface b) axle-pins sized to connectsaid extractor links pivotably to said lever-arms c) torsion springsaround said axle pins tensioned to bias said extractor-links toward aseated position against said lever-arms
 3. The hand tool according toclaim 1, wherein the means to bias said lever arms apart is a springsuch as a compression spring which can be connected between saidlever-arms at a predetermined distance from said first ends of saidlever-arms to urge said lever-arms apart
 4. The hand tool of claim 1,wherein the means of limiting the angular excursions of said lever-armsare comprised of: a) stop-pins pressed into said lever-arms, at apredetermined distance from said pivot hole, extending a predetermineddistance through said lever arms. b) cavities in said base plate on eachside of said U-shaped cutout, and at the same predetermined distancefrom said pivot holes in said base plate as in a) above c) whereby, thecavities are of larger diameter than said stop-pins, angular excursionsof said lever-arms are possible to that angle whereat said stop-pinsengage a side of one of said cavities.
 5. A hand tool for compressivelygripping that part of a champagne stopper exposed above the top of achampagne bottle, and of extruding said stopper up and out of saidbottle, comprising: a) a base plate of metal or plastic, having aU-shaped cutout at a first end, said cutout sized and configured to fitslidably into the annulus found at the top of a champagne bottle, saidbase plate having two pivot holes spaced a predetermined distance apart,and adjacent to a second end of said base plate opposite said first endb) a pair of mirror-image lever-arms, each of a zig-zag shape, connectedpivotably to said pivot holes of said base plate, each with oneextension toward said first end of said base plate, said firstextensions straddling the stopper of a champagne bottle ensconcedtherein, the sides of said lever-arms in this extension which face eachother across said champagne stopper, are herein designated as the innersides of said lever-arms, the opposite sides being designated as theouter sides, said lever-arms extend in another direction from said pivotholes at an oblique angle inward, and across each other for apredetermined distance, then extend further at a reverse but lesserangle to second ends to form handles suitable for hand gripping, saidlever-arms being cutout where overlapped, to half thickness on that facewhere they abut,so that as installed on said base plate, they are even,and rise to the same level above the surface of said base plate c)linkages configured to grip and force out said champagne stopper arepivotably connected at first ends to said lever-arms, adjacent to saidouter sides of said lever-arms, extending across said lever-arms inlinewith said champagne bottle stopper, to a predetermined distance beyondsaid inner sides to second ends of said linkages, the axes of saidpivots enabling said second ends of said linkages to pivot upward, fromseated positions against said lever arms. d) further means of: biasingsaid lever arms to the open, or apart position limiting angularexcursion of said lever-arms to predetermined open, and closed positionsbiasing said extractor links to a seated position against saidlever-arms gripping and retaining said champagne stopper as it exitssaid champagne bottle e) whereby, a hand tool is assembled which can bemanipulated like a pair of ordinary pliers to force out the stopper of achampagne bottle quickly, easily, and ceremoniously, by simply openingand closing said handles of said lever-arms, no pulling, or prying isrequired
 6. The hand tool according to claim 5, wherein said linkagesare the same as those defined in claim
 2. 7. The hand tool tool of claim5, wherein the means to bias said lever-arms apart are the same as thosedefined in claim
 3. 8. The hand tool according to claim 5, wherein themeans of limiting the angular excursions of said mirror-image lever-armsare the same as those defined in claim 4.